Promising technical solutions to improve the efficiency of releasing mineral materials from bin storages

Abstract

The efficiency of mineral processing is determined by the correct selection strategy for equipment and technology in the production process. In the present-day context, when it becomes necessary to increase the production capacity of existing mining and processing plants, enhancing the production capacity cannot be considered in isolation from the potential performance of the specific process equipment. When addressing the challenges associated with improving the efficiency of mining and processing equipment, special attention needs to be paid to streamlining its interaction within a unified process flowchart. It is generally known, that the bin storages at mining and processing facilities are intended to receive rock mass and secure batching and uniform supply of loose and lumpy materials from the bin to the downstream technological equipment. The bin storage parameters have to be defined with account of the properties of the materials to be used. The aim of this study is to develop an optimal design of the bin-and-feeder system that would ensure the material path close to the brachistochrone curve. Based on the presented analytical dependences, the main characteristics of releasing the mineral raw material from the bin-and-feeder systems have been established for the conditions of mining and processing plants. The received data can be used in further research to provide a mathematical model of material flow, as well as in the finding an optimal design of the bin. A complex approach that included a system scientific analysis and generalization of previously published studies was used in addressing the tasks set. An approach is suggested to develop a promising design of the bin-and-feeder system to deliver the mineral raw materials based on using the guides that would ensure the material flow as close to the brachistochrone curve as possible. This approach can be implemented in the bin-and-feeder systems for ore processing plants in order to reduce the energy consumption for the transportation and feeding of the mineral raw materials.